EXAMINATION: PUPPY/KITTEN w/VAC

It's very important for puppies and kittens to receive a thorough exam each time they come in for routine puppy or kitten vaccines. They should receive their first exam and initial vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age.  Your veterinarian will check for birth defects, developmental concerns, retained baby teeth, retained testicles, and hernias, among other concerns.--as well as help advise you on housetraining, leash training, feeding schedules and all the millions of questions that come up when you're raising a puppy or kitten.

Your puppy or kitten's physical examination includes:
· checking all vital signs
· examining the teeth/eyes/ears
· listening to the heart & lungs
· palpating the abdomen for any abnormalities
· searching for lumps, bumps, enlarged lymph nodes
· checking the skin and haircoat
· evaluating the pet for gait abnormalities and arthritis.

Another equally important part of your pet's examination is the interview with you, his owner. You know your pet better than anyone else, so you are the best source of information for his usual daily habits:
· how much is he eating, drinking, urinating, defecating?
· Does he play with his toys?
· Have you noticed an odor lately?
· How is his housetraining?
· Can he go up the stairs/jump on the bed/jump in the car?

Our owner questionnaire has many more questions similar to the above list. Armed with this information, plus the information from the physical exam, the doctors of Windmill Animal Hospital can diagnose developmental concerns and health problems in your pet early, which means a longer, more comfortable life for your pet, more peace of mind for you, and lower veterinary bills!